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Losartan

Also indexed as: Cozaar®

Combination drugs: Cozaar-Comp®, Hyzaar®

Losartan is used alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (Hyzaar®) in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is a type of drug called an angiotensin II receptor antagonist.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Potassium
Losartan has caused significant increases in blood potassium levels.1 Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes (No Salt®, Morton Salt Substitute®, and others), and even high-potassium foods (primarily fruit) should be avoided by those taking losartan, unless directed otherwise by their doctor.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
The intestinal absorption of losartan may be reduced up to 10% if taken with food.2 Although this is a minor reduction, losartan should be taken an hour before or two hours after food for maximum effectiveness.

Summary of Interactions for Losartan

Depletion or interference None known
Adverse interaction None known
Side effect reduction/prevention None known
Supportive interaction None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known
Other (see text) Potassium

For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

References:

1. Perazella MA. Drug-induced hyperkalemia: Old culprits and new offenders. Am J Med 2000;109:307–14 [review].

2. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 1769–72.